2 Kings 21:18 (KJV)

What does 2 Kings 21:18 mean?

2 Kings 21:18 records the death of King Manasseh, stating that he died, was buried in the garden of his own house (specifically called the garden of Uzza), and that his son Amon became king after him. This verse marks the end of Manasseh’s reign and the transition of power to his son.

The verse is part of a historical account in the book of Kings, which was written to document the rulers of Judah and Israel. The mention of the "garden of Uzza" as Manasseh’s burial place is notable, as it was not the usual royal tombs, hinting at possible changes or issues in royal burial practices at the time. The verse simply reports the succession without commentary, focusing on the facts of Manasseh’s death and Amon’s rise to the throne.

The Hebrew behind 2 Kings 21:18

• "slept" (שָׁכַב, shakav): This word is a common Hebrew way to describe death, often used for kings, and carries the sense of joining one’s ancestors in death.
• "fathers" (אָב, av): Refers to Manasseh’s ancestors, emphasizing the continuity of the royal line and the tradition of burial with previous generations.
• "garden" (גַּן, gan): The use of "garden" here, especially repeated and specified as "the garden of Uzza," highlights an unusual burial location, possibly reflecting a shift from the traditional royal tombs.
• "Uzza" (עֻזָּא, Uzza): The garden’s name is not explained in the text, but its mention suggests it was a known landmark or estate, adding a detail about the setting of Manasseh’s burial.

Why 2 Kings 21:18 matters

• The verse clarifies that Manasseh was not buried in the typical royal tombs, which may indicate something about his reign or the circumstances of his death.
• The straightforward mention of succession underscores the historical focus of Kings, showing the continuity of the dynasty despite Manasseh’s controversial reign.
• The details about burial location and succession help set the stage for the account of Amon’s reign, connecting the narrative flow of the book.